Samuel L. Jackson is at his comedic best in this nostalgic sequel to the popular soul action films of the 70s which starred Richard Roundtree as the title character. Jackson reprises the role of John Shaft II, a role he played 19 years ago in Shaft (2000) and is sandwiched by two generations of the Shaft family tree; with Jessie Usher playing JJ (John Shaft Jnr) and Richard Roundtree (John Shaft I), also joining the ranks are the amazing Regina Hall and Alexandra Shipp of X-Men fame (Storm in the recent the X-Men films).
Suspecting foul play after the death of his childhood best friend, JJ (John Shaft Jnr), looks to his estranged father, (now a private eye) to help provide some closure or otherwise. Intrigued by the case himself and seeing an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone (on a professional and personal level), Shaft agrees to help JJ. As both father and son delve into the underbelly of Harlem in hopes of uncovering a conspiracy, they discover the bond they share and how despite their differences they aren’t that different at all.
The action-comedy highlights the generational gap between father and son while humorously addressing social hot topics such as toxic masculinity, gender equality and gun culture while leaving the audience somewhat unoffended and genuinely entertained, a feat owed to the comedic exploits of its cast. Jackson, Usher and Hall are the showrunners here, but its Jackson’s machismo oriented, gun-toting and foul-mouthed Shaft who steals the show.
While the plot is certainly not the next best thing to come out of Hollywood, the film certainly excels as a popcorn movie and largely delivers on that. I had such a great time watching this, that it’s one and a half hour plus runtime blew past so quickly. Full of memorable one liners, action and a nostalgic throwback to when men reveled in masculinity - toxic or otherwise. Shaft is hilariously unapologetic on its commentary of current day social issues and isn’t afraid to do so, which leads to some amazing results.
Shaft genuinely entertains but might not be suitable to those who are easily offended by ongoing social debates. So, get him or her over, get streaming, and who knows, you might give or get some Shaft. You dig?
Reject Rating: 7/10
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